1785, in metaphysics, "the theory that a person has no proof that anything exists outside his own mind," from French égoisme (1755), from Modern Latin egoismus, from Latin ego (see ego). Meaning "doing or seeking of that which affords pleasure or advances interest" is from 1800; opposed to altruism, but not necessarily "selfish." Meaning "self-centeredness" is from 1840. Between egoism and egotism, egoism is more correctly formed; there formerly was a useful distinction, with egotism tending to take the senses "self-centeredness" and "extensive use of 'I'" and leaving to egoism the theoretical sense in metaphysics and ethics.
双语例句
1. He was looked down upon because of his egoism.
他因自私而受人冷落.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. They seem to love the land and the people with a sort of fierce egoism.
他们似乎是带著强烈的利己主义来爱这里的人和土地的.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. Joel turned down all offer of help he badly needed because of his excessive egoism.
由于极度的自大,乔尔拒绝了所有他极需要的帮助.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. It was only the last quiver of his egoism.
这是心灵的最后一颤.
来自辞典例句
5. Unconsciously, he had imbibed all the principles of egoism.
